Cardinal laments increase of 'radical secularism' in Spain

Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela of Madrid, Spain has expressed regret that Spain has become one of the most secular countries on issues such as the defense of life, marriage and the family.

In an interview following the Pope's weekend visit to Spain, the cardinal spoke with COPE radio network on Nov. 8. The cardinal remarked that Pope Benedict offered reflections on the country during the papal trip and denounced the “revival of radical secularism.”

The cardinal added that the increase in secularism is “a bit strange at this point in time,” as it “appeared to have died out after the Second World War.”

Cardinal Rouco said that Spain is “first place in the rankings of secularism” regarding laws dealing with the “basic institutions” of society, such as marriage, the family and the right to life.

“We’re number one in that area,” the cardinal lamented.

Spain passed a law last summer liberalizing and paying for abortions until the 14th week of pregnancy, providing for limited abortions up to the 22nd week and allowing them at any time during the term in cases of "extremely grave and incurable disease."